Gray skies over Austintown

Gray skies over Austintown
EDITOR:
Kudos to Ian Hill and The Vindicator editors for exposing the leadership in Austintown for what it truly is, arrogant and sly. The Vindicator accurately articulated what many residents in this township have been thinking.
Our township has been in disarray for two years. First, the three amigos go against the will of the people and try to force Home Rule on us, then it was the adult cabaret fiasco and questions were raised as to whether or not trustees could legally consult with a counselor, at the taxpayers' expense, who was not licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio. They closed our fire station in an effort to save a measly $6,000 and laid off our safety forces. Now they want to secretly slide a 2.5-mill tax levy on the ballot at a special election, when a low voter turnout would be anticipated in hopes for a better chance of passage. And to top it off, they want to expend $25,000 to do so.
If we can't afford $6,000 to open a closed fire station, how could we possibly have $25,000 to place a levy on the ballot that surely will not pass? The skies are not blue in Austintown, they are gray. When the smoke clears as election time approaches, it will be time for regime change -- only then will there be brighter days in Austintown. Only then will we, the people, be in a position to begin working on improving our township and its image.
PAUL MAZERIK
Austintown
Say thanks to armed forces
EDITOR:
I want to say "thank you" to all our men and women in the armed forces for all the sacrifices they had to make to make it a little safer for me and my loved ones to walk out of our homes. And for making it possible for us to sleep a little sounder at night.
If you see a lady or gentleman of our armed forces on the street, stop and shake their hand to say "thank you" to them. Or if you know someone in the armed forces, send them a nice card. Let them know how much you appreciate the sacrifices they have made for you and yours.
Even if you don't know or don't understand or even agree with why they were there, it doesn't matter -- as long as they do!
JEAN MAYLE
Youngstown
Christian protesters turn backs on their protectors
EDITOR:
I am writing in regard to the article you published May 26 concerning the nuns facing jail time due to their destructive protest. As a freshman at Jackson-Milton High School, I personally am sick of all these antiwar protesters, and now it has involved people who call themselves Christians.
As a Christian I can say that I didn't want a war either, but I support our troops 100 percent. As a matter of fact, I know several who fought for us.
It totally amazes me that these protesters will utilize all the benefits we have as free Americans, but they show no loyalties when it comes to any type of conflicts. How does everyone think that they became free Americans? They have the right to live and worship as they choose. Do they treat their families with the same loyalties in time of despair, or better yet, is this the loyalty that they show God? Because we all know that God wouldn't turn his back on us.
They should support our troops 100 percent because they are giving their lives up for us to have our freedom.
MEGAN SCHULLER
Berlin Center
Plan to bring sixth graders to high school is a bad one
EDITOR:
I am a student at Jackson-Milton High School. Recently the school voted to bring next year's sixth graders up to the high school and block the ninth grade and up from ever talking to them.
The thing that really makes me mad about this is that the school board never got a student or students' opinions. There is not one person I have talked to who wants this to happen. Even some of the teachers don't want this to happen. They have released one teacher already for next year, and all the teachers have to move their rooms around to different places.
If you ask me, all it will bring is havoc, and I don's see how in any way this would be good or helpful.
MARCO GIOVANNI
Lake Milton